Let’s face it, relationships aren’t always smooth sailing. And sometimes, the very thing that keeps the romance going—intimacy—can easily turn into a total buzzkill. You know that moment when you feel the ick? You know, that moment when your partner does something so off-putting that it’s hard to unsee? Well, turns out, you’re not alone.

A recent survey shows that more than 1 in 4 women report getting the “ick” within the first month of dating. Meanwhile, men are a bit more patient, typically developing it after a year or more. Yikes! But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. The sleep experts at MattressOnline have dug into the most common bedroom red flags and are here to help you avoid them—so your intimacy stays, well, intimate.

1. Poor Hygiene Habits: Smell You Later

Let’s get this one out of the way early: poor hygiene is a total mood-killer. Bad body odor or bad breath? Not exactly the stuff of romance. Our noses are way more powerful than we give them credit for—they’re literally wired into our brains to connect with sexual attraction. So, unpleasant smells can mess with your chemistry.

Expert Tip: “Freshen up before intimate moments—don’t skip the shower and, please, brush your teeth. A clean body and fresh breath go a long way in keeping the sparks flying.”

2. Dirty Bed Sheets: No One Wants to Sleep in a Dumpster

Listen, if you’ve been using the same sheets for weeks and they’re starting to smell like last Tuesday’s leftover pizza, it’s time for a change. Dirty sheets = dirty vibes. No one wants to crawl into a bed that’s seen better days, especially when it’s full of sweat, crumbs, and who-knows-what-else. Not cute.

Expert Tip: “Change your bedding regularly—ideally once a week. Clean sheets are a simple way to make the bedroom feel fresh, inviting, and, well, sexy.”

3. Messy Bedroom: Cluttered Space, Cluttered Mind

Alright, let’s be real. A messy bedroom can be a total turn-off. Dirty laundry on the floor, books scattered everywhere, dust bunnies gathering like they’re auditioning for a horror movie… It’s a no-go for many people. Turns out, women are more likely to call it quits over a messy bedroom than men, with 77% of women saying they can’t get past a cluttered space.

Expert Tip: “Take a minute to tidy up. Throw your clothes in the laundry basket, vacuum the floor, and wipe down surfaces. It’s the little things that make a big difference when it comes to setting a romantic vibe.”

4. Lack of Foreplay: It’s Not All About You

Foreplay isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for building emotional and physical intimacy. If you’re jumping straight into things without any buildup, your partner may feel more like a placeholder than a lover. And that’s not exactly the vibe you want, right?

Expert Tip: “Take your time! Engage in foreplay—it’s not just about physical pleasure, it’s about emotional connection too. Show interest in your partner’s needs and focus on mutual enjoyment.”

5. Keeping Socks On During Sex: A Really Weird Choice

Okay, we’re not judging if you’re the type to keep your socks on during sex, but you might want to think about it. Taking your socks off is kind of like a symbolic gesture that you’re letting your guard down and embracing intimacy. Keeping them on? Well, it’s just… odd. It might make things feel less personal.

Expert Tip: “Talk to your partner about preferences and be open about what you’re comfortable with. While it’s subjective, sock-free is often the way to go for many people when it comes to intimate moments.”

6. Only Having One Pillow on the Bed

Here’s the thing: when you have only one pillow on the bed, it screams “I’m not prepared for guests.” It makes the bed look uncomfortable and not exactly inviting. A bed with just one pillow feels like it’s more for one person—unless you’re living a minimalist lifestyle, that’s a vibe you want to avoid.

Expert Tip: “Spruce up your bed with extra pillows, a cozy throw, and a fluffy comforter. A well-prepared bed can make all the difference when it comes to setting the right tone for intimacy.”

7. Excessive Noise (Or No Noise at All)

Too much noise, or—on the flip side—no noise at all, can totally throw off the mood. If your partner is making distracting sounds or if there’s dead silence, it can feel uncomfortable. You want the right balance to make the moment feel natural.

Expert Tip: “Find the noise balance that works for you both. Some soft background music or even just a gentle hum can create the right atmosphere. It’s all about comfort.”

8. Having a Sleep Ritual: Keep It Quiet, Please

We all have our personal sleep rituals, whether it’s meditating, listening to white noise, or doing a 10-minute pre-sleep routine. But when you’ve got a partner in bed, their preferences might be slightly different. White noise can be soothing, but it might also be a total turn-off if they’d prefer quiet.

Expert Tip: “Communicate with your partner about your sleep habits. Maybe you love your white noise machine, but they can’t stand it. A little compromise can keep things cozy.”

9. Feng Shui in the Bedroom: You’re Not Hosting a Meditation Retreat

Feng Shui is all about creating harmony, but placing mirrors where they reflect the bed or positioning your bed directly in line with the door could create bad energy. And guess what? That negative vibe can be the ick.

Expert Tip: “Go for calming, peaceful designs. Avoid weirdly placed mirrors or arrangements that make the room feel off. Keep your bedroom a place for rest, romance, and relaxation.”

Keep the Spark Alive

It doesn’t take much to avoid turning your bedroom into a “no-go zone.” Small adjustments like maintaining hygiene, tidying up, and focusing on mutual pleasure can create a much more inviting and intimate space for both you and your partner.

So, next time you want to keep the sparks flying, take a few minutes to avoid these common red flags. Your partner (and your future self) will thank you.